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Hey Ditchwitch - will you pm me and let me know who your husband is and a contact #?

I'll need some work done on my house and don't know who to get.

The last person we hired was horrible, did not do things as expected (he did the work, but it's crappy quality). He won't return calls, either. I'm not looking to fix what he did, I need other stuff done?

If a contractor does good work, word of mouth is great so it only goes to reason that the word get out on not so good contractors right? I'm looking to have some work done and would hate to get mixed up with some of the ones mentioned here. It's not unusual to hear contractor horror stories, maybe it's time we not be so shy, and hold them accountable for their poor services? jmo

_________________________
Some people evolved....and the rest of us were created<><

Saw a piece on the news this morning which might help future people looking to have work done. http://WWW.NYKNOWYOURCONTRACTOR.COM supposedly lists contractors who have had complaints/judgements against them. I took a quick look at it tonite and it appears that almost all of those listed are from Monroe County but it might be worth taking a look before you "seal the deal."

Contractor supplied "references" are, in my sight, a waste because it would take a total idiot to provide only positive references. My rule of thumb is to hire only local contractors who have been recommended by friends or neighbors. Even if it is a "small" project, I suggest getting a signed contract indicating the specific work contracted for as well as a completion date. Take into consideration factors such as weather conditions, etc. if it is an outdoor project. Just make sure that you cover all the bases in your signed agreement before you put forth a penny. A reputable contractor will not be offended by your detailed agreement.

A quote is not a legally binding agreement for either the contractor or yourself. Given the details you've provided, I'd lose the contractors phone number in a hurry. If you provided any "up-front" money without a signed contract, I suspect you could file a claim in civil court but have doubts as to your success.

Does a homeowner have any recourse if a contractor draws up a quote, both parties (the homeowners and the contractor) signs up the contract for work to be done, and then the contractor will not return calls for two months as to the status of the job?

Yes. You can go on the internet and make a big deal out of nothing. Or you can try to sue and get your butt thrown out of court. Either way, you lose. The contractor wins because he doesn't have to deal with you.

_________________________Charter Member of the VM Smith Memorial Park Committee

If there is no deposit (upfront money) I would start getting other contractors to look at it and get it done. Binding contracts are only normally used in commercial work where a lot of money and other contractors are involved. If I don't know someone I try to get a signiture on something (price and scope of the work) but I'm not sure how binding in would actually be.

reilley
Silver Member
Registered: 01/18/05
Posts: 11744
Loc: between here and there

first of all, to make things clear with this deadbeat contractor, call him and then mail a letter,keep a copy of it and tell him that since he has not lived up to his end, contract has ended. that way no questions on who and why incase he tries to come back on you. maybe poo poo but people are stupidly sue happy.cover your butt.

I have had the same problem. I just got a different contractor to do the work. The one that I was waiting for had done a lot of work for me in the past and he was paid in cash and was local. I have no idea what his problem was. I agree with the others a quote is not a binding contract. Just take a deep breath and move on.